Avelumab and cetuximab as a therapeutic combination: An overview of scientific rationale and current clinical trials in cancer

Treatment outcomes have improved with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors and small molecule inhibitors. However, many patients do not respond single agents. Consequently, ongoing research is focused on use combination therapies to increase clinical efficacy by potential synergistic effects. Here, we outline trials review rationale evidence for avelumab, an anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody (mAb), cetuximab, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) IgG1 mAb. Avelumab approved as a monotherapy treatment Merkel cell carcinoma urothelial carcinoma, in axitinib renal carcinoma; cetuximab chemotherapy squamous head neck (SCCHN) RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer, radiation therapy SCCHN. binds PD-L1 expressed tumor cells regulatory cells, thus blocking its interaction programmed reventing T-cell suppression; inhibits EGFR signaling pathway, inhibiting proliferation inducing apoptosis. Both complementary mechanisms action may also activate system induce innate effector function through binding their Fc regions natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, combined has been shown immunogenic leads tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T NK which should synergize immunostimulatory effects avelumab. Prospective studies will investigate this inform future strategies.